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Capnocytophaga keratitis in dogs: clinical, histopathologic, and microbiologic features of seven cases
Author(s) -
Ledbetter Eric C.,
FranklinGuild Rebecca J.,
Edelmann Michele L.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
veterinary ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.594
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1463-5224
pISSN - 1463-5216
DOI - 10.1111/vop.12549
Subject(s) - keratitis , hypopyon , capnocytophaga , medicine , corneal ulceration , corneal ulcer , cornea , pathology , endophthalmitis , dermatology , surgery , ophthalmology , biology , bacteria , genetics
Abstract Objective To describe the clinical, microbiologic, and histopathologic features of Capnocytophaga keratitis in dogs. Animals studied Seven dogs with naturally acquired Capnocytophaga keratitis. Procedures Medical records of dogs with a clinical diagnosis of keratitis and corneal cultures positive for Capnocytophaga spp. were reviewed. Dog signalment, medical history, clinical findings, and diagnostic assay results were recorded. Results Breeds included Boston terrier ( n = 3 dogs), Rat terrier ( n = 2), and single cases of mixed breed and Pug. All dogs examined had expansive corneal ulceration involving the majority of the corneal surface. Marked corneal infiltrates, keratomalacia, and hypopyon were present. Progression of corneal disease was rapid with extensive dissolution of the corneal stroma. Corneal lesions progressed to catastrophic perforations within 24 h of the initial examination in three dogs, requiring enucleation. One globe was enucleated after failure to resolve with long‐term medical therapy. Globes and vision were retained in three dogs following aggressive medical therapy (two dogs) or 360° conjunctival graft surgery (one dog). Capnocytophaga cynodegmi , Capnocytophaga canimorsus , or unspeciated Capnocytophaga spp. were cultured from corneal samples of all dogs. Long, thin, gram‐negative rods were present during cytological evaluation of the cornea in some dogs. Histopathologic evaluation of enucleated globes revealed severe and diffuse neutrophilic and collagenolytic keratitis. Conclusions Capnocytophaga keratitis is a severe, rapidly progressive corneal infection in dogs that is associated with diffuse corneal involvement, extensive keratomalacia, and a relatively poor prognosis. Clinical features of canine Capnocytophaga keratitis are similar to human cases of this infection.